Unemployment rates in urban areas were lower in December 2016 than they were in December 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday. The report showed that 236 of 387 surveyed metropolitan areas experienced drops in unemployment, while joblessness increased in 111 cities and remained the same in 40 areas.

U.S. companies increased hiring in January, adding the most new workers since June, according to a private survey.

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Payroll provider ADP said Wednesday that businesses added 246,000 jobs last month, up from 151,000 in December. The hiring was widespread, with the construction, manufacturing, health care and shipping industries all adding jobs at a solid pace.

The figures suggest that job gains have accelerated in the wake of the election. With the unemployment rate already low, at 4.7 percent, employers may be forced to offer higher pay to attract workers, which may create broader income growth.